Marvin Cassman has been appointed deputy director, National Institute of General Medical Sciences, by Health and Human Services Secretary Louis W. Sullivan. Cassman, 53, formerly directed NIGMS' Biophysics and Physiological Sciences Program.
NIGMS, a component of the National Institutes of Health, funds research and training in the basic biomedical sciences. Its programs encompass the cellular and molecular basis of disease, genetics, pharmacology, biorelated chemistry, biophysics, physiological sciences, and minority biomedical research and training. In his new position, Cassman will assist NIGMS Director Ruth Kirschstein in executing policies, coordinating activities, and allocating resources. He will also represent the institute in NIH forums and in dealings with other agencies, outside scientific organizations, and international scientific groups.
The new deputy director says one of his primary responsibilities will be dealing with policy issues, including budgetary concerns, such as "how to deal with the stress of a constricting funding base." It is "very painful," ...
